Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Duck Key?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Duck Key or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Duck Key and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Duck Key or Hilo?
Duck Key
If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Duck Key Prices
USA PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDuck Key $175Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $175, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Duck Key and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDuck Key $56Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDuck Key $112Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Hilo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Duck Key $69Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Your Island Welcome: Private KOA Airport Transfers: $36
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Kona City Hotels to Hilo Cruise Port : $201
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $97
- Private Transfer Hawaii Kona Airport KOA to Kona: $42
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
- Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA) : $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Duck Key change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDuck Key $77Hilo $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience: $150
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Duck Key $30Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
- Abalone Farm Tour: $35
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
- Big Island Family Off Road Farm Adventure: $129
- Big Island Full Circle with Volcanoes and Akaka Falls Tour: $210
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Volcano Day tour from Oahu and Hotel PU: $545
- Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour: $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDuck Key $7.99Hilo $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck Key and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Duck Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Duck Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Duck Key and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo than you might in Duck Key.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Duck Key Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Hilo?
Hilo has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key and Hilo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Duck Key or Hilo?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Duck Key or Hilo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Hilo. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Duck Key is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Duck Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Hilo. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDuck Key 84°F (29°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Hilo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Hilo. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In October, Duck Key is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Duck Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Duck Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Duck Key usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDuck Key 80°F (27°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Hilo in the Winter?
Both Hilo and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Duck Key is around the same temperature as Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Duck Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In January, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Hilo. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDuck Key 70°F (21°C)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Hilo in the Spring?
Both Hilo and Duck Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Duck Key is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Duck Key. In the spring, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Duck Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Duck Key usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDuck Key 77°F (25°C)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Duck Key
| Duck Key | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.